A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (September 7, 2015)
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:12, NIV)
This week has been a tough week for this avid pro football fan. I watched the last pre-season game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets with great anticipation. I am an unashamed fan of Tim Tebow and his quarterback play in that game was outstanding, even by Coach Chip Kelly’s assessment and the NFL QB rating system. Tim was later cut by the Eagles. My heart hurt for Tim!!!
This is my personal assessment of our world’s evaluation system today. We have become blinded (not just in sports) to the importance of the intangibles such as heart, character, leadership and right attitudes.
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
We have become increasingly reliant on stats, polls, Facebook, Twitter, and media talking heads (that are very prejudice themselves) compared to a personal assessment and consideration of the tangibles and intangibles. What does it matter if a sport’s figure cheats or has a criminal record? As long as they can perform on the field, we want them. We want to win at all costs! Do we really want that? Do we really want our children to grow up thinking that way?
As I prayed for Tim I was reminded of the story of Joseph in the Bible and all the unmerited rejection and ridicule he faced in his life. Joseph was a handsome young man that was his father’s favorite son and he was obviously a very confident person. He had a dream as a teenager of being great. He shared that dream with his family and his eleven brothers. His brothers became very jealous. They sold him into slavery and told his father that he had been killed.
Joseph became Potiphar’s (Captain of Pharaoh’s guard) personal servant and household superintendent. Potiphar’s wife later falsely accused Joseph of attempted rape which landed him in prison. Joseph was appointed head of all the other prisoners and interpreted dreams for some of Pharaoh’s chief employees that were jailed because they offended Pharaoh. Because of those connections in prison Joseph was later called on to interpret Pharaoh’s personal dreams. Those interpretations resulted in Joseph becoming Pharaoh’s right hand man who was placed in charge of all the finances of Egypt and was eventually responsible for saving the entire nation.
Joseph’s dream eventually came true. His entire family (approximately 70 in number) was reunited with him and saved during a catastrophic drought. Joseph had every right to be angry with his brothers. But one of the most important statements made during all Joseph’s dealings with his brothers was made after their father died when the brothers were concerned about what Joseph would do to them. This is what Joseph said to them:
Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is today, to save much people alive. (Genesis 50:20)
The favor, blessings, and promotion of God never left Joseph, regardless of all the rejections and false accusations. It would seem that the more gifting, favor, and anointing a person possesses from God, the more rejection follows. I wish it were not so, but it appears to always be that way. Maybe it’s God’s way of sharpening His leaders. However, in the end, God will have His way! The dream will come to pass if we stay true to our God, forgive quickly, and always remember that God’s ultimate plan is to save lives.
We love you Tim! We are praying for God’s perfect plan to come forth in your life. Thank you for your consistent walk and witness to our awesome God.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
